Islamabad:
Supporters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took out a march in the capital Islamabad today for his release from jail. During this time, clashes again took place between security forces and thousands of supporters. Security forces also fired tear gas shells at the supporters. AFP staff at the scene saw police and paramilitary forces firing tear gas at protesters.
A policeman died
Earlier on Monday too, there was a clash with security personnel deployed to stop supporters and protesters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from reaching Islamabad. One policeman was killed and 70 others were injured in the clash. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari had said in a press conference that several policemen were injured after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters clashed with the police on their way to Islamabad. Was taken “hostage”.
Former Prime Minister Khan, 72, had “called” for nationwide protests on November 24, condemning the “stolen mandate”, unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th Amendment. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Monday resumed its march towards Islamabad after halting overnight en route amid stiff resistance from authorities to foil its attempt to enter the capital and stage a sit-in.
The minister asked, “Constable Mubashir lost his life in a clash with party workers on Kati Hill while going to Islamabad. I ask those who call them a political party whether they will say so even after this. Taking police officers hostage by Imran Khan’s supporters…is this politics?
Bukhari said that Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi is setting fire to this country. He said, “Bushra is provoking the Pashtuns (Pathans) to get her husband released.”
- Imran Khan is in jail since last year.
- He has been kept in Adiala Jail of Rawalpindi.
- More than 200 cases are registered against him.
Bukhari said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the police officers to remain unarmed. However, workers of Khan’s party came from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with weapons to create havoc and incite violence.
The march will continue
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said police in Punjab and Islamabad arrested more than 3,500 party leaders and workers. A senior leader of Khan’s party said, “Dozens of party workers were injured and more than 3,500 party leaders and workers were arrested during clashes with police on their way to Islamabad.” The march will continue until Khan and other political prisoners are released from jail and the independence of the judiciary is restored.
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